2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8

The most powerful Jaguar ever!

When Jaguar unveiled the XE back in 2015, rumors of a high-performance version surfaced almost immediately. With the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division having already launched a couple of cars, it was only natural to assume that Jaguar would develop an XE SVR to go against the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63. However, the SVR has yet to make it into production, just as Jaguar has yet to launch a V-8-powered version of the car. But, the wait will be over come 2017, as the British firm has just confirmed that the XE has gained a supercharged V-8 under the "SV Project 8" badge.

If "Project 8" sounds familiar it’s because it’s the second limited-edition vehicle from SVO, following the F-Type Project 7 from 2014. The really big news here is that Project 8 is significantly more powerful than Project 7. With output close to 600 horsepower, the beefed-up sedan is officially the most powerful Jaguar ever made. The company also promises "supercar performance and dynamics in a four-door sedan," which makes Project 8 as exciting as they get. An official debut is scheduled at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 30, but Jaguar has already released spec sheets and photos.

Official video

Exterior

Exterior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs standard Jaguar XE.

Much like the Project 7 compared to the F-Type, the Project 8 is a beefed-up version of the familiar XE.

Much like the Project 7 compared to the F-Type, the Project 8 is a beefed-up version of the familiar XE. Actually, we could easily call it an extreme interpretation of the compact sedan, as nothing about this car can be labeled as regular.

Essentially a full-fledged race car without the livery, the Project 8 sports a huge amount of custom features and a massive number of carbon-fiber components. Up front, the bumper is all-carbon and has been redesigned to include larger cooling ducts at the corners, covered by honeycomb patterned covers painted in the same color as the body. Below, we can see a bare carbon splitter that’s also manually adjustable in two positions for track use. The main grille also has a unique mesh and a Jaguar logo with a red background, while the headlamps have been repositioned to make way for the beefier fenders. The new, vented hood is also made from carbon-fiber, saving a few good pounds compared to the standard aluminum unit.

Exterior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs Jaguar F-Type Project 7.

The Project 8 is equally aggressive around back thanks to a redesigned bumper and the big wing atop the trunk lid.

Moving onto the sides, there are wider front fenders designed to accommodate the beefier tires. Modifications continue with carbon side skirts and flared rear fenders. The standard wheels were replaced with 20-inch, forged aluminum alloy rims shod in track-ready tires with tremendous grip. The Project 8 is equally aggressive around back thanks to a redesigned bumper and the big wing atop the trunk lid. The latter is obviously made from carbon-fiber and it’s also adjustable to suit various racing conditions. The carbon bumper has extra vents at the corners and includes a carbon diffuser with quad titanium variable active exhaust pipes. The aerodynamic package is completed by a flat underbody, which pretty much turns the Project 8 into an actual race car for the road.

Those carbon-fiber parts help keep weight down to only 3,847 pounds.

It’s also worth noting that all those carbon-fiber parts help keep weight down to only 3,847 pounds. Granted, this isn’t exactly lightweight given that the base XE tips the scales at only 3,250 pounds, but it’s a low figure considering all the upgrades and the heavier V-8 engine.

Jaguar offers the Project 8 in eight body colors. There are three standard colors, Fuji White, Narvik Black, and Caldera Red, and five options from the SVO Premium Palette, including Valencia Orange, Velocity Blue, Meribel White, Verbier Silver, and Corris Grey (satin matte). But, customers who want a more unique finish can opt for other colors from the SVO Premium Palette range, which includes 19 hues in tri-coat, tinted clear coat, pearlescent, ChromaFlair and satin matte. Race-inspired decal packs are also available at extra cost.

Interior

It's the first XE with paddle shifters for the transmission and the first XE with a dedicated Track Mode.

As you’d expect based on the exterior, the Project 8 is unique on the inside as well. Sure, it’s still heavily based on the standard XE and comes with the same design features, but the Project 8 package adds numerous bespoke elements. For starters, there’s subtle gloss, carbon-fiber trim, as well as Alcantara on the steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels. It’s also the first XE with paddle shifters for the transmission and the first XE with a dedicated Track Mode, which tailors the drivetrain and stability control systems for track use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for enhanced precision and driver feedback.

Interior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs standard XE.

Another unique feature is the two-seat configuration with carbon-fiber front seats and four-point harnesses.

Another unique feature is the two-seat configuration. Although this isn’t available in the United States, where it will be offered as a four-seat model only featuring the front Performance seats with magnesium frames and more heavily contoured rear seat cushion for extra support, some markets will get an optional two-seat Track Pack. The bundle includes lightweight front carbon-fiber racing seats and four-point harnesses fixed to a Harness Retention Hoop in place of the rear seat. Now that’s my favorite feature so far, but it’s a bit disappointing that it won’t be offered in the U.S., most likely due to safety restrictions.

As far as tech goes, almost all the cool features that Jaguar introduced with the XE are included as standard. You get the 10.2-inch tablet-style screen for the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, the 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, iOS and Android device connectivity, and a 380-watt Meridian sound system with 11 speakers.

Drivetrain

Much like any car made by Special Vehicle Operations, the Project 8 received a newly-tuned version of the engine that produces a whopping 592 horsepower.

Not surprisingly, the Project 8 gets its juice from a 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This supercharged mill is extremely familiar in Jaguar Land Rover’s current lineup, being offered in models like the XF, XJ, F-Type, and Range Rover Sport. Much like any car made by Special Vehicle Operations, the Project 8 received a newly-tuned version of the engine that produces a whopping 592 horsepower. This output makes the Project 8 the most powerful road-legal Jaguar in history, placing it significantly above the F-Type Project 7 and F-Type SVR, which have 567-horsepower versions of the same engine.

Just like the SVR, the Project 8 uses all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed, ZF automatic transmission.

Just like the F-Type SVR, the Project 8 uses all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed, ZF automatic transmission recalibrated to reduce shift times and increase torque availability during launch.

Jaguar F-Type SVR

Jaguar F-Type Project 7

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

Engine

supercharged 5.0-litre V8

supercharged 5.0-Liter V-8

supercharged 5.0-liter V-8

Horsepower

567 HP @ 6,500 RPM

567 HP @ 6,500 RPM

592 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

516 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,000 RPM

502 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,500 RPM

516 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,000 RPM

Transmission

8-speed Quickshift

8-speed Quickshift

8-speed Quickshift

0 to 60 mph

3.5 seconds

3.8 seconds

3.3 seconds

Top Speed

200 mph

186 mph

200 mph

As a result, the Project 8 is quicker than any other XE sedan out there. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.3 seconds, which makes it two tenths quicker than the F-Type SVR. Is this impressive or what? What’s more, the Project 8 is also quicker than both the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63, which need more than 3.8 ticks to hit the same benchmark. Top speed is also impressive, being rated at 200 mph, and above anything else you can get in this niche.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

Mercedes-AMG C63

Mercedes-AMG C63 S

BMW M4

0 to 60 mph

3.3 seconds

4.0 seconds

3.8 seconds

3.8
seconds

Top Speed

200 mph

155 mph

155 mph

155 mph

All this performance comes from extensive modifications made to the V-8 engine, including a lightweight version of the Titanium Variable Active Exhaust, a unique air intake system with increased airflow efficiency, and an extensively modified cooling system.

Suspension

A lot of modifications have been made in this department too, in order for the Project 8 to handle all that extra oomph and enhanced aerodynamics at the race track. The already impressive double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension in the standard XE was further improved with stiffer springs and manually adjustable Continuously Variable Shock Absorbers. The latter also give the sedan a 0.6-inch lower ride height for track use. The Project 8 also debuts a new carbon-ceramic braking system, which uses a Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings and incorporates a rear electronic active differential with oil cooler.

Prices

Pricing is obviously a mystery at this point, but we can figure out an approximate sticker based on Project 7. With the latter sold with a 67-percent premium over the F-Type R Coupe, it’s safe to assume that the Project 8 will see a similar hike over the range-topping model. With the 35t AWD trim retailing from $54,775, the Project 8 could cost nearly $100,000. Production of this sedan will be limited to only 300 units, with sales to commence in 2018.

Competition

Finding a proper competitor for the Project 8 isn’t easy, mostly because the Jag is more powerful than anything else on the market in this niche. The BMW M4 GTS comes pretty close though. It uses a similar body style with wider fenders, big splitter, large rear wing and diffuser, as well as a unique interior and a beefed-up six-cylinder engine that delivers 493 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of twist. But besides the significantly inferior output, the GTS has another major issues: it’s no longer available. With the 700 units sold in 2016, the only option you have now is the M4 CS. But the latter lacks the big wing of the GTS, while the engine was detuned to 460 horsepower and 442 pound-feet. Not exactly a rocket, but it checks a lot of boxes if you’re looking for a special, limited-edition car. Of course, you also need to consider the fact that the M4 is two-door. The M3 is an option too, but it’s slower, heavier, and less powerful than the M4 GTS and CS.

If you want to stick to four-door sedans, the AMG C63 is one of the best options you have. Around since 2015, the C63 still uses a V-8, unlike the M3 and M4, in the form of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit. The mill cranks out 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet in the "base" model, but the C63 S churns out a more solid 503 horses and 516 pound-feet. But despite having in excess of 500 horses, the AMG C63 isn’t as aggressive as the Project 8 when it comes to aerodynamics, missing a comprehensive aero kit and a big rear wing. A more potent Black Series model is reportedly in the works, but until it arrives, you’ll have to settle for a more mundane kit if you want a Merc. The good news is that the AMG C63 S retails from $72,800, which makes it significantly more affordable than the Project 8.

The ATS-V is yet another performance sedan that’s appealing in just about any department but lacks a beefed-up version that would give the Project 8 a run for its money. Upgraded with sportier features for enhanced aerodynamics, the ATS-V also comes with a purposeful cabin with unique features and a powerful V-6 engine. The twin-turbo 3.6-liter generates 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, which travel to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, the latter shared with the Corvette Z06. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds, which is pretty quick given the sub-500-horsepower rating. Pricing-wise, it’s the most affordable of the bunch at $62,895 before options.

Conclusion

When Jaguar introduced the XE back in 2015, it basically confirmed that it wants to take on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in the premium compact market. The XE gained quite a few positive reviews, but so far it has failed to surpass any of its rivals sales-wise. But, that’s far from surprising, as it usually takes a few years for a product to fully establish itself on the market and steal customers from other brands. The Project 8 is yet another sign that Jaguar is aiming high and if the preliminary output figure is accurate, this sedan will destroy everything in its path. Unless BMW and Mercedes-Benz come up with significantly more powerful versions of the M3 and AMG C63, the XE SV will win this contest by far.

Love it

Aggressive body kit

Likely unique interior

The most powerful Jaguar ever built!

Leave it

Very limited availability

Likely expensive

Press release

Following the successful F-TYPE Project 7 of 2014, the XE SV Project 8, the second Collector’s Edition by SVO, is a hand-built four-door sedan with supercar performance – designed to thrill driving enthusiasts, with an extraordinary combination of explosive power, dynamic agility and all-wheel-drive traction. No more than 300 examples will be created for global sale, each to be assembled at the SVO Technical Center in Coventry, England.

“SVO’s raison d’être is to produce halo vehicles that push the boundaries in terms of luxury, performance and all-terrain capability. Project 8 is a great example of what happens when enthusiastic designers, engineers and manufacturing specialists are given the opportunity to create an extreme performance sports car without compromise,” said John Edwards, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director. “Project 8 will be assembled by hand in the new SVO Technical Center, and we’re confident that our enthusiastic and demanding clients will love driving Project 8 as much we do!"

The Project 8 exclusively features the most powerful version of the Jaguar Land Rover 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 gasoline powertrain. The 592HP power unit, which has a Titanium Variable Active Exhaust, is complemented by a standard All Wheel Drive (AWD) system(4) and motorsport-derived aerodynamics to deliver a 200mph top speed and 0-60mph in 3.3sec(1), making Project 8 the fastest accelerating Jaguar yet.

Fundamental to the performance of the most track-focused car SVO has ever produced, Project 8 features a number of purposeful modifications to the lightweight aluminum body panels of the award-winning Jaguar XE sports sedan, including:

“We have really been able to unleash the potential of our engineering and design teams in specifying Project 8. We are at the beginning of a very challenging and exciting development program which will see us focus on ensuring Project 8 delivers track performance on a level previously not targeted by Jaguar,” said, Mark Stanton, SVO Director. “The SVO team is full of performance car enthusiasts that are now briefed to deliver motorsport science and soul in what is effectively a four-door supercar.”

The high-performance theme continues inside with subtle applications of Gloss Carbon Fiber trim as well as Alcantara on the rim of the Project 8 Sport Steering Wheel, instrument panel and door panels. The eight-speed Quickshift® transmission can either be operated by aluminum paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or by the central Pistolshift lever – another first for XE.

The Project 8 is also the first Jaguar to feature a dedicated Track Mode, which tailors driveline and stability control systems for circuit use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for ultimate precision and driver feedback.

Globally, the Project 8 will be available in two- and four-seat specification. In North America the vehicle is available exclusively as a four-seat model featuring the brand’s latest front Performance seats with magnesium frames, plus a more heavily contoured rear seat cushion to maximize support. In some global markets, an optional two-seat Track Pack includes lightweight front Carbon Fiber Racing Seats with Four-Point Harnesses fixed to a Harness Retention Hoop in place of the rear seat. All Project 8 models will be built in left-hand drive configuration only.

Owners of the Project 8 will also be able to personalize their car by opting for further colors and finishes from the SVO Premium Palette range, which includes 19 colors in tri-coat, tinted clear coat, pearlescent, ChromaFlair™ and satin matte finishes. Race-inspired decal packs, accentuating the high-performance attributes of the Project 8, are also available.

The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 will make its world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, UK, which runs from June 29 – July 2. The Project 8 will make its dynamic world debut on the famous Goodwood Hill on Friday, June 30.

BODY DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS

Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The XE SV Project 8 takes that tradition of uncompromised form and function to the next level, with purposeful bodywork revisions by the SVO design and engineering experts to meet the car’s 200mph(1) performance target.

The exterior body panels of the Project 8 emphasize the dynamic cab-rearward proportions of the compact sedan’s design, with only the roof and front door skins unaltered. There are also a number of revisions to the lightweight aluminum-intensive monocoque including:

Lightweight Carbon Fiber material is used extensively throughout the Project 8 body package, which contributes to weight from just 3,847-lbs/1,745kg. It also helps achieve the desired weight distribution. Carbon Fiber and composite components exclusive to the Project 8 are:

Extensive rolling road wind tunnel and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation testing has refined the aerodynamic package, which includes a Flat Underbody, to achieve a 205 percent reduction in lift with Front Splitter and Rear Aerodynamic Wing in Track Mode, delivering more than 269-lbs/122kg of downforce at 186mph(1).

Every Project 8 gets unique badges on the Front Splitter and endplates of the Rear Aerodynamic Wing, plus an SVO roundel on the rear panel.

BESPOKE EDITIONS

For clients looking to further individualize their Project 8, the Bespoke by SVO team can offer the opportunity to choose from a number of personalized options including:

Reflecting the purposeful nature of the Project 8, the interior is designed to emphasize the feeling of connection between the driver and the car, with minimal distractions or embellishments.

In North America, the Project 8 is available only in a four-seat specification featuring the latest magnesium-framed front Performance seats with unique Oyster contrast-stitched Premium Jet leather bolsters and Miko suedecloth centers. Project 8 logos are stitched into the headrests.

The rear seats, for two occupants only, are redesigned with additional lateral support built in to the seat squabs and bolsters.

Helping to reduce reflections in the windscreen, black soft-touch Alcantara covers the instrument panel and dash topper. The same material is used on the door panels and rim of the Project 8-branded Sports Steering Wheel. Gloss Carbon Fiber detailing, mirroring its use for exterior components, extends to the Project 8-branded Tread Plates, the Riva Hoop incorporating ‘1 of 300’ Project 8 aluminum Commission Plaque, and the gear selector surround.

As standard, the Project 8 is fitted with the 10.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen of the Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment system(6) featuring Dynamic-i, which adds a stopwatch, g-meter readout and accelerator and braking graphics to the central touchscreen display.

The Project 8 also functions as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot7, enabling up to eight devices to connect to the internet, and fully supports Jaguar InControl® Apps™(6).

The Jaguar InControl® Remote™ app allows users of iOS® and Android™ devices to connect to the car from anywhere. The technology enables a range of functions, including checking how much fuel is in the tank, unlocking or locking the doors, and seven-day timed pre-setting of the climate control system.

A superb 380W MeridianTM Sound System developed specifically for the Jaguar XE features 11 speakers (including subwoofer) and incorporates smart functions such as ‘Play more like this’ which automatically compiles playlists, or Music Queue, which makes it easy to search for and place songs, albums or artists into to a music queue while the current track is still playing.

As well as media streaming from smartphones and tablets via two USB ports, Touch Pro™6 offers AM/FM/HD Radio and Bluetooth®. The system also supports satellite radio, and delivers features such as buffering, enabling users to skip back to the start of tracks.

ENGINE

At the heart of the Project 8 is the latest evolution of the well proven Jaguar 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 engine modified to give a targeted power output of 592HP and 516-lb. ft. of torque – the highest output of any Jaguar road car.

To achieve the outputs required for a 200mph(1) performance sedan, SVO engineers have tuned the engine calibration software and enabled better breathing on both air intake and exhaust sides of the engine.

The air intake system is unique to the Project 8 and is optimized to increase airflow efficiency and reduce air circulation and pressure drop within the airbox. It’s fed by ducts in the front Carbon Fiber Bumper molding.

The Project 8 uses a unique lightweight Titanium Variable Active Exhaust designed to provide consistent performance during extended periods of track use. The system exits through the rear diffuser, finishing with quad 3.5-in/89mm tailpipes for a phenomenal snarling soundtrack.

The cooling system of the V8 is extensively modified, ensuring stamina and endurance under extreme track conditions and in hot climates. The vent in the Carbon Fiber Hood plays an active part in managing under-hood temperatures as well. Located in a low-pressure area, the vent has a dual benefit of reducing drag and helping manage the airflow through the engine compartment by sucking hot air out.

TRANSMISSION

To enhance traction and delivery of the 5.0-liter Supercharged V8’s power and torque specification, the Project 8 utilizes a re-calibrated version of the brand’s eight-speed Quickshift All-Wheel Drive system.4

Capable of selecting gears in just 200 milliseconds, and shifting non-sequentially, such as from 8th to 2nd gear in extreme situations, the transmission helps deliver outstanding precision and confidence with a strong torque-rich shift quality unique to this vehicle.

Project 8 also introduces an Electronic Active Differential (EAD) for the first time on the Jaguar XE, which works with the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system to precisely manage torque delivery to each of the rear wheels. In conjunction with enhanced large diameter front and rear driveshafts, the EAD is designed to ensure optimum ability to put power and traction to the road in varying situations and contributes to the exceptional lap times achievable by the Project 8.

To keep differential temperatures under control, particularly during sustained track use, the Project 8 incorporates a differential cooler housed in the rear diffuser.

The Project 8 is also the first Jaguar to receive a dedicated Track Mode, which enhances body control and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for ultimate precision, control and driver feedback.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

With double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension, the Project 8 offers outstanding performance and poise, delivering confident handling on varying road surfaces. Complementing the powertrain and AWD system4 is an extensive range of chassis and suspension enhancements developed through an intensive test program at tracks including Nardo and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This is the most track-biased program SVO has ever carried out.

Increasing lateral stiffness is key to the range of front and rear axle modifications of the Project 8, which combine to deliver exceptional speed, precision, and cornering capability. New SVO-designed knuckles machined from billet incorporate ultra-high-performance Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic bearings which reduce unsprung mass by a total of 1.9-lbs/840g, increase stiffness, improve steering response and reduce friction. The use of ceramic bearings in this application a first for Jaguar Land Rover road cars.

Stiffer suspension bushes complement the new knuckles, while the rear upper control arm assembly uses ball joints instead of bushes. Front and rear anti-roll systems8 are fine-tuned to enhance grip and traction, while the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system has been recalibrated with variable damping to offer easy low speed maneuverability and precise driver feedback on track.

For ultimate track performance, Project 8 features height-adjustable spring platforms with motorsport-specification coil springs and aluminum-bodied Continuously Variable Dampers and a choice of two ride heights: standard for road and -15mm for track use.

BRAKING

The Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) system fitted on the Project 8 is a first for Jaguar, offering sustained performance under demanding conditions. The Jaguar CCB system, which is different than the Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) componentry fitted to the F-TYPE SVR, consists of 15.7-in/400mm two-piece front discs with six-piston aluminum calipers and 15.6-in/396mm two-piece rear discs with single-piston sliding calipers.

The CCB system offers lower unsprung mass as well as a consistent pedal feel, fade resistance and longevity. The Project 8 also uses motorsport-grade Synthetic Racing Fluid (SRF) with an exceptionally high dry boiling point, which is ideal for use under arduous braking.

Torque Vectoring by Braking technology helps minimize understeer by independently braking inside wheels during cornering, and works with the Electronic Active Differential to precisely control torque delivery to the rear wheels8.